At midnight, we said goodbye to 2012 (and to my 40s) and awoke the next day eager to tackle the new year (and my next decade). I actually made it through my milestone without much anxiety or depression (until my friend pointed out that I am now closer in age to 65 than to 35).

Sitting between my parents at the temple where I grew up, I felt lucky. It seemed odd at a funeral, but that is how I felt.

I turned 50 last week. My younger friends smiled sympathetically and offered hugs, as if I'd just received a cancer diagnosis. Older ones grinned conspiratorially, as if I'd suddenly succumbed to their evil charms and crossed over to the dark side.

With everything going on, friends to see, places to go, gifts to buy and treats to eat, you may find taking care of yourself slipping lower on your To-Do List. If we don't approach this season with some consciousness and care, we'll be bringing a little bit more of ourselves into the new year.

place two letters on my calendar on Sundays: "ME". This reminds me to take inventory of my week. I check in with myself on three levels: physically, mentally and emotionally.

Do I feel beautiful? I am pondering this question as I approach my 59th birthday. Why is this on my mind? Am I thinking about this because my big "6-0" is only a year away, or am I simply checking in with my inner self?